Olives aren't just delicious, their plant leaves contain oleuropein, a powerful compound with a variety of therapeutic uses. Olive Leaf Extract Health benefits include Anti-viral properties (natural herpes remedy), Brain Health, Blood Pressure and Sugar Support, Immune System Support, Heart Health and Anti-cancer attributes.
Olive Leaf Extract itself comes in a variety of forms, that include capsules, liquid extracts and loose leaf tea, which we'll get into the preparation later on in this article.
Olive Leaf Extract Health Benefits
The therapeutic uses for Olive Leaf extract are wide ranging, yet stem from three essential properties--anti-oxidant, anti-viral and ant-bacterial. These three attributes cover almost all human ailments, from cancer to viral infections and immune disorders. Below we get into each one and explain how Olive Leaf Extract helps to fight them.
My help protect against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease
New studies show Oleuropein, the active compound in Olive Leaf helps protect against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, both neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the powerful anti-oxidants in Olive Leaf Extract can also help to prevent dopamine neuron loss.
Anti-Viral Benefits
Olive Leaf possesses natural anti-viral compounds
May support healthy blood pressure
A 2017 study showed Olive Leaf Extract to effectively lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This reduces strain on the kidneys and results in a lower risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Support a healthy immune system
In recent scientific studies, Olive Leaf Extract demonstrated the ability to stimulate the Immune System and increase its disease fighting ability.
Support cardiovascular health
Another amazing Olive Leaf health benefit is its ability to break down cholesterol in the arteries and fight atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries which leads to heart attack). This results in improved heart health, reduced risk of stroke, and overall less strain on the organ.
Blood Sugar support
Olive leaf helps to regulate insulin secretion in the body. This in turn leads to lower blood sugar levels and puts this herb as a premier choice for treating type 2 Diabetes.
Olive Leaf Extract also helps to reduce hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia (excess insulin in the blood), and blood glucose levels.
How to use Olive Leaf Extract
When it comes to brain health or fighting cancer, seeing the effects of Olive Leaf does take some time--it is necessary to supplement daily. While this herb is quite amazing, the benefits don't occur overnight. A few months of supplementation are necessary for the anti-oxidants to work through the body and regenerate.
However, if using Olive Leaf Extract as a natural herpes remedy, results can happen within a matter of hours to a few days. Outbreaks retract quickly--all year supplementation may prevent them altogether.
How to prepare Olive Leaf Tea
If you're looking to make Olive Leaf Tea, simply boil one ounce of loose leaf herb in a gallon of water for five minutes. Next, turn off the heat and let it steep for one hour.
You can sweeten with lemon and honey for a delicious flavor. This formulation can then be bottled and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Another way to consume the loose Olive Leaf is to add a teaspoon of the loose leaves to a smoothie. You will barely taste its light flavor and still receive its many benefits.
Olive Leaf Extract Side Effects
- If you're taking medication for Diabetes, Olive Leaf Extract will additionally lower your blood sugar, be sure to consult your healthcare specialist before adding this herb to your daily regimen.
- Olive Leaf Extract may also interact with blood thinners, please consult your doctor if you plan to combine this extract with any other medication.
- Some people may be allergic to Olive Leaf and can have an allergic reaction.